Engage & Connect: A Novel Social Reward Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial compares a novel psychotherapy, Engage \& Connect, with a Symptom Review and Psychoeducation intervention, tailored to reduce postpartum depression. The study includes 9-weeks interventions, delivered remotely. It will examine changes in social isolation, processing of social rewards and depression severity over 9 weeks of treatment.
Description
Postpartum depression is linked with decreased motivation to seek rewarding activities and enjoyment of pleasurable experiences. Social isolation and low perceived social support predict persistence of postpartum depression. Engagement in rewarding social activities with significant others may increase motivation and enjoyment, motivating utilization of a therapy that addresses social isolation and reward response. The investigators developed Engage \& Connect (E\&C), a 9-week psychotherapy program that focuses on increasing meaningful social activities with significant others. This study will…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Up to 1 year post-delivery 2. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 10. 3. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose of an antidepressant for 8 weeks and do not intend to change the dose in the next 10 weeks. 4. Capacity to provide consent for research assessment and treatment. 5. Speaks English proficiently Exclusion Criteria: 1. Intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future 2. Ongoing psychotherapy (no more than once every 8 weeks or during the duration of the intervention) 3. Active substance abuse or dependence 4. Severe fetal anomalies, stillbi…
Interventions
- BehavioralEngage & Connect (E&C)
Engage \& Connect, is a remotely-delivered extension of Engage psychotherapy. It is aimed to increase engagement in rewarding social activities and in turn, reduce postpartum depression. In each session, the therapist will work with the patient to develop "action plans" to pursue rewarding social activities of their choice with the goal of reducing social isolation.
- BehavioralSymptom Review and Psychoeducation (SRP)
SPR is a remotely-delivered intervention aimed to increase knowledge of postpartum depression and monitor mental health changes. In each session, the therapist will review the participant's symptoms and discuss information related to postpartum depression and changes after birth.
Location
- Weill Cornell MedicineNew York, New York